Through the years there have been quite a few coyote sightings through the metro New Orleans area, the most recent in North Kenner, where a coyote was spotted in the Louisiana Trace neighborhood. Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, Trapper John Schmidt says he suspects the coyote is most likely roaming the canals looking for food.
"It's a dog eat dog world out there, they (coyotes) need to eat," Schmidt said. "They clean up the neighborhoods and basically what they are after are mice and rats. They eat other stuff too. They're opportunistic."
He says dog and cat owners should be vigilant when their pets are outside. Pet owners should keep their animals inside as much as possible.
"A coyote doesn't care if you are watching, Schmidt said. "He might care if I'm watching," he jokingly said. "But he doesn't care if you're watching. He sees it as food, he's going to take that advantage, he's going to get and he's going to take off with it."
He says coyotes are not necessarily afraid of humans but they'd prefer to stay away from them.
"It never surprises me to see a coyote anywhere," Schmidt noted.